Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.

In the worship language of the Reformed tradition (the theological family of Presbyterian Christians), we have “the Word Read” and “the Word Proclaimed.” The first is when we settle in to hear God’s Word read from the Bible. The second is that point in our worship service where a called and trained preacher attempts to speak words to the people, based on the Word read, which might be God’s message to those assembled. That may sound pretty presumptuous, especially coming from a preacher. But that’s what our tradition hopes happens in worship. That’s why we always base a sermon on scripture. That’s why, in our church, those who are ordained to the Ministry of the Word and Sacrament are engaged in three years of full-time graduate education in seminary, a heavy part of which focuses on biblical and theological studies. God speaks, always through the Word, and sometimes through our words.

Prayer

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in your sight, O God, my Rock and My Redeemer. Amen.